📌 China’s Population Declines for the Third Year, Straining Economy 📍 What Happened? China’s population fell by 1.39 million in 2024, marking the third consecutive year of decline. The total population now stands at 1.408 billion, reflecting growing demographic challenges for the world’s second-most populous nation. 📌 Why It Matters ✅ Ageing Population: A shrinking workforce is putting economic growth under pressure. ✅ Declining Birth Rates: Rising costs of living and career priorities are causing young people to delay marriage and childbirth. ✅ Global Trend: East Asian nations like Japan and South Korea are facing similar challenges. 📌 Key Issues ✅ Lopsided Sex Ratio:104.34 men for every 100 women, leading to social imbalances. ✅ Economic Concerns: A shrinking workforce threatens consumer markets and productivity. ✅ India Overtakes:In 2023, India surpassed China as the world’s most populous nation. 📌 The Bigger Picture ✅ The combination of low immigration, falling birth rates, and an ageing population poses serious risks to China’s economic growth and social stability. Addressing these challenges is essential for long-term prosperity.